Not For Math-Phobes

First, an interesting (lengthy) article on problems with statistics in research here:

http://tinyurl.com/ydfvaqj

On a related and slightly less-technical note, just finished reading Jason Rosenhouse's wonderful 2009 volume, "The Monty Hall Problem," devoted entirely to the "Monty Hall" problem from mathematics (one of the most intriguing, well-covered/debated probability problems oft-presented to lay audiences), and highly recommend it to all who have a general interest in mathematics or probability theory. I think the first 3 chapters, that cover the meat of the problem, and last 3 chapters that delve into more philosophical or epistemological elements, are especially good; in-between are some more over-the-top chapters dealing with variations on the basic problem, that require more mathematics and won't suit everyone's taste. Still, the complexities and intricacies of the deceptively-simple dilemma are really quite fascinating, and Rosenhouse admits at the end he has enough material left over to write yet a 2nd book on the topic!

Finally, a new volume I haven't read yet but that looks interesting, is "Dude, Can You Count," from Christian Constanda. More on it here:

http://www.springer.com/mathematics/book/978-1-84882-538-3

Meanwhile, I've received a copy of the new book, "The Genius In All of Us" (by David Shenk) from the publisher, and it will be next up for a fuller review here.